System with at least one lightweight pallet and at least one container layer with one or more containers

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a system comprising at least one nestable lightweight pallet which has an upper deck with a bearing surface and feet on the underside of the upper deck in each corner, and comprising a plurality of containers which each have a container base and four circumferential side walls, wherein the lightweight pallet and the containers are configured and dimensioned in such a manner that, when the lightweight pallet is arranged on a first container layer, wherein the first container layer comprises a plurality of containers, in particular 2, 4, 6 or 8 containers, which abut one another and are inverted, each foot of the feet located in the corners of the lightweight pallet can be placed over its entire surface directly in a corner region of a container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system comprising at least one lightweight pallet and at least one container layer having one or a plurality of containers.

PRIOR ART

Lightweight pallets are known from the prior art. FR 3 065 712 A1 discloses e.g. a lightweight pallet which has dimensions between 800 mm x 600 mm and 1500 mm x 1500 mm and comprises an upper deck with an open rib structure in the form of a regular grid. The pallet comprises six feet, and moreover four corner feet in the form of conically tapering truncated pyramids and two support feet on the longer sides of the pallet. By reason of the conical or pot-like outer shape of the feet, the pallet is designed so as to be nestable in other pallets.

A further nestable lightweight pallet having an open surface in the upper deck is known from DE 20 2009 018 185 U1. On the underside of the pallet deck, one support foot is disposed at each one of the four pallet corners, and further support feet are disposed along the central longitudinal axis and the central transverse axis. The support feet are offset slightly inwards and so the upper deck protrudes outwards over the entire circumference with the edge of the pallet slightly over the support feet.

The pallets described are manufactured from synthetic material and are intended to increasingly replace the standard Euro pallets according to EN13698-1 consisting of wood, in fact for reason of longer life cycles. The standard Euro pallet according to EN13698-1 is designed having measurements of 1200 mm x 800 mm.

DE 10 2011 003 999 A1 discloses a so-called quarter pallet which comprises two corner feet and two longitudinally elongated feet which are arranged so as to be offset inwards, wherein the feet have funnel-shaped outer shapes and a central truncated pyramid, of which the surface terminates flush with the pallet surface. The quarter pallet from DE 10 2011 003 999 A1 is designed in the size of 300 mm x 400 mm, so that four pallets which are arranged next to one another in the form of a matrix and abut one another form the size of a standard Euro pallet.

The object of the invention is to provide a system comprising at least one lightweight pallet and at least one container layer having a plurality of containers, which is characterised by optimum utilisation of the transport volume when the containers in the stack are transported empty and at the same time are subjected to gentle loading.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In the case of a system in accordance with the invention comprising at least one nestable lightweight pallet and a plurality of containers, provision is made that the lightweight pallet and the containers are configured and dimensioned in such a manner that, when the lightweight pallet is arranged on a first container layer, wherein the first container layer comprises a plurality of containers which abut one another and are inverted, each foot of the feet located in the corners of the lightweight pallet can be placed over its entire surface directly in a corner region of a container.

By an “inverted” orientation is meant here that a container with the underside of its container bottom forms part of the contact surface for the feet of the lightweight pallet. A container is arranged “inverted” or, likewise, “overhead” on a lightweight pallet within the meaning of the present disclosure if its container base is arranged in a direction away from the upper deck.

In other words, in the system according to the invention, the lightweight pallet can be arranged on overhead containers in such a way that the containers abut one another and each corner foot of the lightweight pallet rests over its entire surface on a corner region of a container base.

By “over its entire surface” it is meant here that the foot does not project laterally beyond the container base.

In a preferred manner, when a second container layer is arranged on the lightweight pallet, wherein the second container layer comprises a plurality of containers which abut one another and are oriented with the container bases in the direction of the upper deck of the lightweight pallet, the container bases can be placed over their entire surfaces on the bearing surface of the lightweight pallet.

“Over their entire surface” means that the container base does not protrude laterally beyond the lightweight pallet.

Preferably, the lightweight pallet and the container layers can be arranged over the entire surface of one another. This means that the container layers and the lightweight pallet are matched to one another in terms of size in such a way that, in the projection, none protrudes laterally over the other so that, in other words, their outer dimensions are aligned with one another.

In the case of the proposed system, the lightweight pallet is adapted to the containers in such a manner as to achieve an optimum force flow of the load transfer in the stack, and moreover both when the lightweight pallet is placed on the containers and when the containers are placed on the lightweight pallet. It is possible to stack the following one on top of the other: pallets on pallets, container layers on pallets, pallets on container layers and also container layers on container layers. In particular, the invention also permits optimum transport of the containers in an inverted manner, whereby less dirt can collect in the interior of the container when the container is transported empty.

The container layers comprise in each case at least one container, but preferably a plurality of containers abutting one another. In particular, a container layer can comprise two, four, six or eight containers which are arranged e.g. in the form of a matrix.

In one embodiment, the system comprises first container layers having a plurality of first containers which abut one another and are oriented with the container bases in the direction of the upper deck, and second container layers having a plurality of second containers which abut one another and are inverted. The lightweight pallets can be arranged under container layers, between container layers or on container layers.

In one advantageous embodiment, at least one second container layer is arranged on a first container layer. The containers of the first and second container layers are connected to one another e.g. in a frictional or form-fitting manner, e.g. by means of form-fitting protrusions and recesses in the upper edges of the container side walls. Alternatively, provision can be made that the container layers are fastened or can be fastened to one another with the aid of fastening means, such as e.g. clips, buckles, straps or hooks. Individual third containers can be nestable between the two container layers, wherein the third containers can preferably be identical to the first and second containers.

The containers have preferably a rectangular container base and four circumferential side walls. For example, the containers are produced from a synthetic material and by means of an injection-moulding method. In particular, the containers can be formed in one piece, but this is not limiting to the invention. On the contrary, the containers can also comprise foldable or pivotable side walls, apertures in the side walls, display openings, handle openings and the like, as known from the prior art.

The containers are equipped e.g. with container bases which are flat and formed without a stacking edge. In particular, the container bases can also be provided with an open rib structure.

In a particularly preferred manner, the container bases are formed having reinforced side edges, e.g. as thick as the side wall. The lightweight pallet and the containers can be dimensioned such that, when the lightweight pallet is arranged on the first container layer, all of the feet located in the corners of the lightweight pallet can be placed on the reinforced side edges of the container bases. In an advantageous manner, the load transfer in the stack from a pallet arranged at the top to containers arranged inverted on the underside is effected via the reinforced side edges of the container base, and not via a central base region which is provided e.g. with an open rib structure or the like. This increases the service life of the containers during transport because the container bases do not buckle in the stack. Furthermore, it is preferred if all of the feet located in the corners of the lightweight pallet can be arranged flush with the side walls of the containers in the container layer.

The lightweight pallet comprises preferably an upper deck with a bearing surface and feet on the underside of the upper deck in each corner. The upper deck can have an open rib structure. The open rib structure of the upper deck reduces the weight of the lightweight pallet and also allows the pallet to be cleaned effectively.

For example, the lightweight pallet is produced from a synthetic material and by means of an injection-moulding method. In particular, the lightweight pallet can be formed in one piece, but this is not limiting to the invention.

The feet in the corners of the pallet have preferably a pot-like outer shape with a conical geometry, so that the feet of the lightweight pallet are designed to be nestable in feet of an identical second lightweight pallet. This advantageously results in a volume reduction during return transport of a plurality of lightweight pallets. The bases of the feet form the lower standing surface of the lightweight pallet.

Moreover, the feet of the lightweight pallet are preferably designed in such a manner that they comprise a dome-like internal structure, the upper side of which forms an island-like bearing surface as part of the bearing surface of the upper deck which is located within a foot region of the lightweight pallet. When a container layer is arranged on the lightweight pallet, the container bases also preferably come to lie at least also on the island-like bearing surfaces of the lightweight pallet. The pot-like outer structure with the dome-like inner structure, e.g. in the form of a truncated pyramid, permits a nestable pallet which is stabilised in the foot region and can also have a load-transferring effect.

In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight pallet has a side edge which surrounds the upper deck at least in sections and surrounds the containers at least in sections when the container layer is arranged on the lightweight pallet, in order to prevent the containers from slipping on the upper deck. The side wall configuration is particularly advantageous for containers having flat container bases without a stacking edge, in order to prevent the containers from slipping on the pallet.

In accordance with the invention, a use of one of the described lightweight pallets in one of the described systems is also proposed.

In accordance with the invention, a use of one of the described containers in one of the described systems is also proposed.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiment and the drawings.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z ; and Y, Z.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the figures. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a system of lightweight pallets nested one inside the other and two container layers;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a further system comprising two lightweight pallets and three container layers;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a further system comprising two lightweight pallets and three container layers;

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a lightweight pallet between two container layers; and

FIG. 5 shows a further sectional view of a lightweight pallet between two container layers.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows, purely by way of example, a configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the system comprises, purely by way of example, three lightweight pallets 10, wherein two of the lightweight pallets 10 are nested one inside the other. A third lightweight pallet 10 is arranged above two container layers 202, 204 and stands thereon. A first container layer 204 is arranged above a second container layer 202. The two container layers 202, 204 stand on the two lightweight pallets 10 which are nested one inside the other.

The two container layers 202, 204 form one container level 20. The container level 20 can comprise further container layers 202, 204, not illustrated. In FIG. 1 , the container level 20 comprises, purely by way of example but in a manner not limiting to the invention, eight containers 22, wherein in each case four containers 22 are arranged in the manner of a matrix next to one another and abutting one another in the first container layer 204 and in the second container layer 202.

The invention is not limited to the number of containers 22 which can be arranged on the lightweight pallet 10. For example, it is possible to cover the lightweight pallet 10 with two, four, six, eight or ten mutually abutting containers 22 in one container layer 202, 204.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the containers 22 of the first container layer 204 are arranged inverted on the containers 22 of the second container layer 202. In other words, the container bases 24 of the containers 22 of the first container layer 204 are arranged away from the upper deck 12 of the lightweight pallet 10. In contrast, the second container layer 202 comprises containers 22 which are arranged with their container bases 24 in the direction of the upper deck 12 of the lightweight pallet 10.

The system can comprise yet further container layers 202, 204, e.g. a third container layer 202, 204 or a third and a fourth container layer 202, 204 and the like, which is not illustrated in FIG. 1 . The invention is also not limited to the illustrated arrangement of the containers 22. In the system, the lightweight pallet 10 can also be placed on the second container layer 202, i.e. on the side walls 26 of the containers 22.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a further system comprising two lightweight pallets 10 and three container layers 202, 204, 202. Purely by way of example, a second container layer 202 stands in this case on a lightweight pallet 10. A first container layer 204 is arranged above a second container layer 202. A further lightweight pallet 10 stands on the first container layer 204. A second container 202 stands, in turn, on a further lightweight pallet 10.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of yet a further system comprising two lightweight pallets 10 and three container layers 202, 204, 202. Purely by way of example, a first container layer 204 stands in this case on a lightweight pallet 10. A further first container layer 204 is arranged above the first container layer 204. A further lightweight pallet 10 stands on the further first container layer 204. A first container 204 stands, in turn, on the further lightweight pallet 10.

FIG. 1 also illustrates the upper deck 12 of the lightweight pallet 10. The upper deck 12 comprises a substantially rectangular bearing surface 120 which is adapted to the size of the containers 22 to such an extent that a specific number of containers 22 can form the container layer 202, 204.

In particular, the bearing surface 120 comprises island-like bearing surfaces 148 in foot regions 150. The island-like bearing surfaces 148 are formed by dome-like inner structures 144 of the feet 14, as illustrated in particular in FIG. 3 .

In accordance with the invention, the lightweight pallet 10 comprises, in the corners, four feet 14 which have a pot-like outer shape 140 (cf. FIG. 4 ). The feet 14 in the corners of the lightweight pallet 10 stand on the container bases 24 of the containers 22 in the container layer 202, 204. In particular, they stand, as can be seen in FIG. 4 , on reinforced side edges 244 of the container base 24. In other words, the lightweight pallet 10 and the containers 22 are adapted to one another in terms of size such that a contact region 30 is provided between the foot 14 of the lightweight pallet 10 and the reinforced side edge 244.

The feet 14 in the corner regions of the lightweight pallet comprise, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 , a pot-like outer shape 140 which tapers conically from the upper deck 12 to the base 142. In the centre of the foot 14, the dome-like inner structure 144 is formed in such a manner as to taper funnel-like towards the upper deck 12. The upper side 146 of the dome-like inner structure 144 forms the island-like bearing surface 148 in the plane of the bearing surface 120 of the upper deck 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the container base 24 of the container 22 stands on the bearing surface 120 and also on the island-like bearing surface 148 of the lightweight pallet 10.

The lightweight pallet 10 comprises, on the edges, a side edge 16 which, as illustrated e.g. in FIG. 1 , can be formed in sections or alternatively can be formed circumferentially, not illustrated. The side edge 16 prevents the container 22 from slipping on the upper deck 12.

FIGS. 1-3 also illustrate support feet 18 which are provided approximately centrally on the respective side edges of the lightweight pallet 10. The lightweight pallet 10 can alternatively also be formed without support feet 18 and additionally or alternatively can comprise a further support foot centrally (not illustrated). In the illustrated embodiment, the support foot 18 is offset a little in the direction of the centre but this is not limiting to the invention.

By adapting the pallet measurements to the container measurements, twodimensional load transfer is achieved, and moreover when the lightweight pallet 10 is placed onto the container layer 202, 204 over the side walls 26 of the containers 22 and by avoiding excessive loading on the container bases 24. The container bases 24 can have open rib structures 242 over a large area, as illustrated as transverse ribbing e.g. in FIG. 1 , or formed as a straight grid as illustrated in FIG. 2 , without the risk of the container bases 24 being subjected to excessive loading during continuous use and whilst stacked. The load is transferred preferably via the side walls 26 of the containers 22, either in the inverted state via the reinforced side edges 244 or also in the usual state directly via the side walls 26.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and includes a large number of embodiments which are immediately apparent to a person skilled in the art.

REFERENCE SIGNS

10 lightweight pallet; 12 upper deck; 120 bearing surface; 122 open rib structure; 14 foot; 140 pot-like outer shape; 142 base; 144 dome-like inner structure; 146 upper side; 148 island-like bearing surface; 150 foot region; 16 side edge; 18 support foot; 20 container level; 204 first container layer; 202 second container layer; 22 container; 24 container base; 242 open rib structure; 244 reinforced side edge; 26 side wall; 30 contact region

Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. 

1. A system comprising at least one nestable lightweight pallet which has an upper deck with a bearing surface and feet on the underside of the upper deck in each corner, and comprising a plurality of containers which each have a container base and four circumferential side walls, characterised in that the lightweight pallet and the containers are configured and dimensioned in such a manner that, when the lightweight pallet is arranged on a first container layer, wherein the first container layer comprises a plurality of containers which abut one another and are inverted, each foot of the feet located in the corners of the lightweight pallet can be placed over its entire surface directly in a corner region of a container.
 2. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the lightweight pallet and the containers are configured and dimensioned in such a manner that, when a second container layer is arranged on the lightweight pallet, wherein the second container layer comprises a plurality of containers, which abut one another and are oriented with the container bases in the direction of the upper deck of the lightweight pallet, the container bases can be placed over their entire surfaces on the bearing surface of the lightweight pallet.
 3. The system as claimed in claim 2, comprising the second container layer having a plurality of first containers which abut one another and are oriented with the container bases in the direction of the upper deck and arranged thereon the first container layer having a plurality of second containers which abut one another and are inverted.
 4. The system as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the containers of the first and second container layers are fastened to one another in a frictional or form-fitting manner or with the aid of fastening means.
 5. The system as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the first and second container layers comprise in each case four, six or eight containers which are arranged in the form of a matrix.
 6. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that when the lightweight pallet is arranged on the first container layer, all of the feet located in the corners of the lightweight pallet can be arranged flush with the side walls of the containers.
 7. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the container bases are provided with reinforced side edges and, when the lightweight pallet is arranged on the first container layer, all of the feet located in the corners of the lightweight pallet can be placed on the reinforced side edges of the container bases.
 8. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the feet have a pot-like outer shape, of which the bases form a lower standing surface of the lightweight pallet, wherein the feet of the lightweight pallet are formed so as to be nestable in feet of an identical second lightweight pallet.
 9. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the feet have a dome-like inner structure, of which the upper side forms an island-like bearing surface as part of the bearing surface of the upper deck.
 10. The system as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that when the containers are arranged on the lightweight pallet the container bases can come to lie at least also on the island-like bearing surfaces of the lightweight pallet.
 11. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the upper deck of the lightweight pallet comprises a first open rib structure.
 12. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the container bases are flat and formed without a stacking edge.
 13. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the container bases comprise a second open rib structure.
 14. A use of a lightweight pallet in the system as claimed in claim
 1. 15. A use of a container in the system as claimed in claim
 1. 